State of the Bears: Chicago's Unimaginable Collapse Extends to Five Straight Losses
Bears Punter Tory Taylor warming up (credits: Jimmie Sykes//Write to Make it Right)
The Bears faced yet another divisional nail-biter, clawing back from an 11-point deficit late in the game. Caleb Williams etched his name into the franchise record books, setting a new benchmark for most passing yards by a rookie in a season. However, this milestone came bittersweet, as it occurred during the Bears’ fifth consecutive loss since their bye week. Williams delivered an impressive performance, finishing with 340 passing yards and two touchdowns while orchestrating a late-game rally that gave Chicago a chance to force overtime.
Williams connected with Keenan Allen for a one-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to eight after a successful two-point conversion. The Bears' special teams made a heads-up play to give the offense another shot, which they capitalized on. DJ Moore caught a clutch 27-yard pass, putting the offense in position to tie the game.
Bears WR Keenan Allen (credits: Jimmie Sykes//Write to Make it Right)
The Bears received the ball first in overtime, but their drive faltered after a sack and a delay-of-game penalty. The Vikings’ OT drive also began with a sack, but Sam Darnold bounced back with significant completions to T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Addison, and Justin Jefferson, setting up a game-winning 29-yard field goal by John Parker Romo. The Vikings secured the narrow 30-27 victory.
Head Coach Matt Eberflus addressed the ongoing losing streak, his name surfacing heavily in postgame criticism as questions about his tenure mounted.
“I don’t think we expect things like that to happen. I just believe that we have to execute better down the stretch. We’ve got to coach better down the stretch. It’s an everybody thing. Is it difficult? Yeah, it is difficult. You lose three games like this, I think it’s difficult. Again, you’ve got to be tough. You’ve got to be tough. This league, it’s not going to feel sorry for you,” said Eberflus.
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell praised Caleb Williams after their first encounter with the No. 1 overall pick.
“I’ve known Caleb for a long time, and I think the world of him. He just continues to get better and better. You can see it when he starts creating off-schedule—the change of direction and athleticism. We had him dead to rights a couple of times, and he gets out and makes huge plays. It’s going to be a challenge. We’re going to have to play as consistently and as disciplined as possible against him as he continues to grow. I look forward to the challenge of competing against him because he’s going to be a really good player,” O’Connell said.
Vikings QB Same Darnold and WR Justin Jefferson Pre-Game (credits: Jimmie Sykes//Write to Make it Right)
On the other side, Sam Darnold and the Vikings' offense delivered a steady performance throughout the game. The Vikings amassed 452 total yards compared to Chicago’s 398. Aaron Jones started strong on the ground with a 41-yard burst early on but was hindered by a costly goal-line fumble. Despite the setback, he managed 22 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown.
Second-year receiver Jordan Addison had a dominant outing, hauling in eight catches for 162 yards and a touchdown, keeping the Vikings' offense dangerous. Meanwhile, All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson had a quiet day with just two catches for 27 yards. However, his subdued performance was offset by tight end T.J. Hockenson, who shined with seven receptions for 116 yards in his best game since recovering from a torn MCL and ACL.
The Chicago Bears continue to offer moments of hope — and frustration. After a promising 4-2 start, they now sit at 4-7, dropping five straight games in heartbreaking fashion. Following a seven-win season last year, where five victories came in the final eight games, the question now is whether this team can surpass that mark. The post-bye-week schedule has been unforgiving, but there are bright spots. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams appears to have shaken off his midseason slump, showcasing elite play. Since Week 4 (September 29), he has thrown just one interception — a testament to his growth.
Bears QB Caleb Williams (credits: Jimmie Sykes//Write to Make it Right)
As the Bears prepare for a Thanksgiving Day showdown in Detroit, they must focus on containing the formidable Lions. Last season, the Bears dominated the Lions in seven of their eight quarters of play, splitting the series. This year, however, the Lions have been a juggernaut, decisively dispatching teams beneath their level.
Based on the Bears’ last two divisional matchups, fans can expect another close game. Ultimately, victory will hinge on the game plan and the Bears’ ability to execute in late-game situations. Yet, with five straight losses and the playoffs slipping further out of reach, one has to wonder: is finding ways to win still the ultimate goal, or has the team already lost its way?
